Best answer
to insulate or not Vapor barrier behind the cement board is absolutely required.
Insulating the interior wall is not required and really a personal preference.
It will not hurt or help the tile installation..
Do I need a vapor barrier behind cement board in shower?
Moisture barriers stop that water or vapor from getting any farther and potentially rotting your studs, the drywall or greenboard installed behind the enclosure. They are required beneath your shower pan and behind your shower walls.
Can you use 1/4 inch cement board on floors?
Floors. Both 1/4- and1/2-inch cement board are appropriate for floors. To install cement board on floors, cement board manufacturers mandate a 5/8-inch plywood subfloor or OSB underlayment. They also require a 3/4-inch subfloor where tile size exceeds 12 inches.
Can you paint cement board in shower?
Can you paint cement board in shower? Not likely. but Hardie backer board's official installation tutorial says it can be finish with paint. Use the backer board on the tiled part, and use the moisture resistant drywall on the rest.
Can you put cement board over concrete?
Technically, cement board can be laid over a concrete slab as the base for a tile installation. ... A better solution is to prepare and resurface the concrete slab so that it can accept thin-set adhesive or a mortar base onto which to lay tile.
How do you insulate a cement floor?
There are two ways to handle insulating concrete floors. You can attach wood sleepers to the floor, fill the gaps with rigid-foam insulation, and then apply your finish flooring. Or, as demonstrated here, you can cover the slab with rigid-foam insulation, add two layers of plywood, and then add the finish flooring.
Can cement board stop a bullet?
Registered. You can always use cement board or 5/8ths fire resistant board on the interior walls and fill in between with sand. Instead of 2x4 walls use 2x6. Sand works wonders for stopping sound, insulating and stopping bullets.
Do you need plastic behind cement board?
Their online instructions/diagrams show no use of a vapor barrier. You should, so that any moisture that gets behind the cement board runs into the tub or shower instead of into your wall cavity (causing rot or mold/mildew).
Do you need a vapor barrier behind cement board?
You still need a vapor barrier with cement board, although in this case the barrier can go behind the board. Cement board is heavy enough and breathable enough to take the moisture without a problem. By having the vapor barrier behind the cement board you stop the moisture going further into the wall.
Do you need green board behind cement board?
Because cement board can be used either for floors or walls, the surface below the cement board will vary: ... In such wet areas, never install cement board directly over drywall or green board. Instead, first, remove the existing surface material, then install the cement board over the studs and membrane, as applicable.
Do you need to put a vapor barrier behind cement board?
You should NOT place a vapor barrier BEHIND the backer board. Where, pray tell, would any such collected vapor/water go? Answer:There's nowhere proper for such moisture to egress. The current best practice is to place waterproofing OVER the backetboard and just UNDER the tile.
Related Question Answers

RRiVEN
ProfessorWhat do you put behind cement board in shower?
Cement Board and a Liquid Membrane No plastic sheeting goes behind the cement board.
A liquid waterproofing membrane, such as RedGard or Hydro Ban, is applied to the cement board and allowed to cure.
Then, tile is installed over the membrane..

LaytonGB
ProfessorCan you use cement board in a shower?
In showers, the standard substrate is tile backer, also called cement board or cement backer board. Ceramic and porcelain tile, more than almost any other surface material, needs a stable, flat, flex-free substrate. Even the slightest amount of movement in a building structure can telegraph to the tile and crack it.

James Curran
ProfessorCan I use 1/4 cement board on floors?
Both 1/4- and1/2-inch cement board are appropriate for floors. To install cement board on floors, cement board manufacturers mandate a 5/8-inch plywood subfloor or OSB underlayment.

Roman R.
ProfessorCan you tile directly onto cement board?
Cement backer board is often used as a tile base on plywood or OSB subfloor. Cement backer board on concrete as a subfloor or underlayment is usually not recommended or needed. In most cases, you can apply tile directly to the concrete. Manufactured veneer stone is another use for cement backer board.

Maryam
ProfessorDo you put cement board under a shower pan?
Once the subfloor of proper thickness is properly installed then you can apply cement board directly to the subfloor material. ALL CEMENT BOARDS MUST be installed in a fresh bed of thinset. ... If you want the cement board under the shower tray then do so - doesn't matter.

dustin.schultz
ProfessionalCan cement board be used around a fireplace?
You can use Hardiebacker board around your fireplace. However, using fiber cement board like Hardieboard is acceptable in locations including the mantel and fireplace surround.17 Jul 2017

jakub.g
ProfessionalCan you finish cement board like drywall?
When you buy cement board it requires the same installation materials as drywall but with a twist. ... Instead of using drywall joint compound to embed the tape in the cement board you should use thin-set mortar. We utilized the same thin-set that will be used to attach the tiles.

glenn jackman
ProfessionalCan you glue stone veneer to cement board?
What can I put stone veneer on for an interior application? For interior applications, stone veneer can be installed over cement board, drywall, and all of the above.

Hamada
ProfessionalCan you put cement board over tile?
Cement board forms a durable, stable base for tile, and it has no organic materials (unlike drywall, greenboard, or plywood) so it is not prone to mold, rot, shrinkage, or decomposition due to moisture. Ceramic tile laid over cement board is one of the most durable floor or wall surfaces you can install.

MrFlick
ProfessionalCan you put cement over silicone?
Yes, silicone will stick to cement board.
In fact I highly recommend that you use cement board such as 'Durock' as your backer board.
Use proper screws.
Such as the specific cement board screw..

Matias Quaranta
UserHow do you cut cement board around a toilet?
You can also use a carbide tipped cutting tool similar to a utility knife to cut the cement board. Use a compass to draw the hole and use the cutting tool to score the board on both sides, then pop it out with a hammer.

Laurent Couvidou
UserHow do you fill gap between cement board and tub?
Technically, after the tile is installed over the backer board that gap between it and the tub ledge should be filled with an ASTM C920 sealant (caulking e.g. silicone). Although some say you should have weep holes along this gap so any water behind can weep out into the tub.

mortb
UserCan you use 1/4 inch cement board walls?
1/4" Durock cement board should not be used for wall or ceiling applications. For wall or ceiling applications, use 1/2" or 5/8" Durock cement board. If you have 3/8" sheetrock, use 1/2" cement board and feather out the joint to approx 10" to 12". It should be almost unnoticeable if done right.

rogerdpack
UserCan you use cement board as a subfloor instead of plywood?
No. You will need actual subfloor (3/4 osb or ply) below the cement board to support it. And you'll only need cement board if you're laying tile. Cement board alone will be far to soft, among other problems.

itronic1990
UserCan you use cement board for shower walls?
Cement Board and a Sheet Membrane Kerdi can also be installed directly over standard drywall in a shower because, when installed correctly, it creates a continuous waterproof barrier..

Dominic Tancredi
GuestCan you use cement board stone veneer?
For interior applications, stone veneer can be installed over cement board, drywall, and all of the above.

jwezorek
GuestDo poured concrete walls need insulation?
Do Concrete Walls Need to Be Insulated? Some contractors add foam insulation in the concrete form before pouring the cement while others add rigid board-type insulation on the exterior of the concrete after it hardens. However your basement walls are constructed, you'll likely want to insulate them.

Vivek Doshi
GuestDo you need plywood under cement board?
The Surface Below the Cement Board Flooring: For ceramic tile floors, the cement board usually rests on a plywood subfloor (minimum 5/8-inch-thick exterior-grade plywood or OSB). ... In such wet areas, never install cement board directly over drywall or green board.

Bianca Balan
GuestDo you need vapor barrier behind cement board?
If it's a cement board, you need a vapor barrier, because cement retains moisture, which means the wood next to it is always damp.

Tatu Ulmanen
GuestDoes cement board need to be sealed?
While you don't always need to seal backer board, it sometimes make sense to do so. If you are installing backer board in an area that will be subject to a great amount of moisture, like in a shower, then it makes sense to put a waterproofing sealer on it.

T04435
GuestDoes silicone stick to cement board?
Yes, silicone will stick to cement board. In fact I highly recommend that you use cement board such as 'Durock' as your backer board. Use proper screws. Such as the specific cement board screw.30 Sep 2015

Rohan Singh
GuestCan I use cement board for shower floor?
Do not use cement board on its own. Your shower will leak and you will be tearing it out within a year.

BassMHL
GuestWhich way does cement board go?
One nice thing about tile backer board is that it doesn't matter which way that you run the sheets. You can run them one direction or another but as long as the corners don't all come together it's OK. Additionally, you don't want the cement board seams to line up with the subfloor seams.

brismuth
GuestWill silicone adhere to cement board?
Yes, silicone will stick to cement board. In fact I highly recommend that you use cement board such as 'Durock' as your backer board. Use proper screws.

teylyn
GuestCan you cement over electric cables?
yes it's fine, the one you have to watch out for is polystyrene (insulation board or beads) also known as EPS or XPS as it pulls the plasticiser from the cable.

ForceBru
GuestDo I need cement board for kitchen backsplash?
But for a tile backsplash, if your wall is good and plumb, without any major ridges or problems, you don't always need to use a backer board, often you can just apply thinset to the walls and put your tiles in place.

mfulton26
GuestDo you put cement board under bathtub?
You don't need any cement board under the tub. It is far more important to have a sturdy layer of ply under the tub.

MikeN
GuestCan you install cement board over drywall?
Because cement board can be used either for floors or walls, the surface below the cement board will vary: ... In such wet areas, never install cement board directly over drywall or green board. Instead, first, remove the existing surface material, then install the cement board over the studs and membrane, as applicable.

Viet
GuestAre cement sheets heat resistant?
Cement Fibre Board Characteristics: The cement fibre board has excellent heat insulation properties; it is fire resistant with lower thermal conductivity for better heat insulation. Water and moisture proof: an ideal material for interior partition walls of kitchens, washing rooms and so on and also for exterior walls.

Andrew
GuestIs a vapor barrier necessary behind cement board?
Cement board is heavy enough and breathable enough to take the moisture without a problem. By having the vapor barrier behind the cement board you stop the moisture going further into the wall. ... You should NOT place a vapor barrier BEHIND the backer board.

Johan Dettmar
GuestShould I put plastic behind cement board?
No plastic sheeting goes behind the cement board. A liquid waterproofing membrane, such as RedGard or Hydro Ban, is applied to the cement board and allowed to cure. Then, tile is installed over the membrane.

dev.meghraj
GuestCan you put cement board on metal studs?
Cement backerboard is perfect for wet and high-moisture applications, such as kitchens and bathrooms, where you'll typically install the panels over a moisture-resistant drywall or plywood sheathing. Cement backerboard mounts to metal stud framing using the same procedure as wood framing.

mathematical.coffee
GuestCan you floor level on cement board?
A self leveling compound can be applied to most types of subfloor materials. You can apply self leveling compound to plywood, osb, concrete, cement board, hardibacker and many other types of subfloor materials. You can also use self leveling compounds when installing tile over top of an existing tile installation.

Uri
GuestCan you glue cement board to concrete?
Most tile professionals, including John Bridge, concur: Attaching cement board to concrete is not an acceptable way to surface the concrete prior to tile installation. Thin-set alone will not help the cement board stick to the concrete slab.

Tore Nestenius
GuestCan you put cement board on the floor?
Cement board is a type of underlayment that is now standard for most tile installations, but particularly for floor tile.
The primary benefit of cement board is that it doesn't break down or expand or warp if it gets wet.
This is a distinct advantage over plywood and drywall..

Oluwafemi Sule
GuestCan you use 1/4 cement board on floors?
Both 1/4- and1/2-inch cement board are appropriate for floors. To install cement board on floors, cement board manufacturers mandate a 5/8-inch plywood subfloor or OSB underlayment.

zcoop98
GuestDo you have to put Thinset under cement board?
No Thinset underneath the backer board “The thinset goes ON TOP of the cement board to stick the tiles!” ... Cement board is a different product and it needs to be installed in its own way. Additionally, screws don't take the place of thinset either.

mario
GuestHow do you fix cement board in a shower?
Linda CottinStep 1: For holes larger than 1/2-inch in diameter, use a carton knife or carbide-tipped tool to cut a V-shaped groove behind the edges of hole. ... Step 2: Use a clean, damp sponge to wipe down the area to be patched.Step 3: Mix up a small amount of thin-set mortar following the manufacturer's instructions.More items...•

Roel Spilker
GuestShould I put cement board under tub?
You don't need any cement board under the tub. It is far more important to have a sturdy layer of ply under the tub.

DevilsHnd
GuestShould I put Thinset under cement board?
Embed the cement board in latex-modified thin-set mortar The main reason for using thin-set between the cement board and the subfloor isn't as much for bonding as it is for even, void-free cement board support throughout the floor. ... Then spread thinset mortar with the flat side of a 1/4-in.

Matthias Braun
GuestShould you put a vapor barrier behind cement board?
You still need a vapor barrier with cement board, although in this case the barrier can go behind the board. Cement board is heavy enough and breathable enough to take the moisture without a problem. By having the vapor barrier behind the cement board you stop the moisture going further into the wall.

Patrick Hofman
GuestWhat do you put on seams of cement board?
Use special mesh tape on seams Cut drywall to fill in between the existing wall or ceiling and the cement board. Screw the drywall to the studs. Cover all of the corners, joints and seams, including the joint where drywall and cement board meet, with the fiberglass mesh tape.

Bajal
GuestWhat is the best insulation for under a concrete slab?
Applying a bead of polystyrene-compatible caulk or mastic to the top of the insulation board minimizes water infiltration behind it. For under-slab applications, the rigid foam insulation typically should be installed over a gravel base, with a poly vapor diffusion retarder between the gravel and insulation.

Abra
GuestIs cement board the same thickness as drywall?
Whereas drywall comes in 4-by-8 sheets, cement board comes in 3-by-5 sheets. ... The smaller dimensions of cement board make the installation of it on large walls more difficult, but cement board panels fit vertically in 3-foot wide showers, or horizontally behind a standard 5-foot bathtub.

Sreeram TP
GuestCan concrete walls be insulated?
Concrete walls can be insulated on the interior or exterior face, or by embedding the material within the wall. Interior installation, using the rigid board, batt, or spray-on methods, is the least expensive method. ... Embedded rigid board insulation in wall panels is increasingly popular for precast and tilt-up walls.

kuro
GuestCan you caulk cement board in shower?
In the event the caulk seal between the bottom row of tile and the tub/shower fails, water can get behind the tile. If the backer board is touching this ledge, it will readily soak up this water like a sponge. ... Then, before installing the tile, apply a bead of pure silicone caulk between the backer board and the ledge.

Mike Dinescu
GuestCan you make a shower pan with cement board?
Do not use cement board on its own.
Your shower will leak and you will be tearing it out within a year..

kdau
GuestDo you have to glue down cement board?
You cannot put a cement backer board over that. You need to put a layer or plywood, minimum 5/8 IIRC, over those boards, then mortar the backer to the plywood. Those 1x8 boards won't give a solid foundation and will flex. Over time, that will cause tile to pop loose or crack.

Gulzar
GuestWhere do you put cement board in a bathroom?
Cement backer board is mainly used as a sub-surface for tiling. Cement backer board is often used as a tile base on plywood or OSB subfloor. Cement backer board on concrete as a subfloor or underlayment is usually not recommended or needed. In most cases, you can apply tile directly to the concrete.

mediocrevegetable1
GuestDo you have to put cement board under tile?
In short, tile and grout are not inherently waterproof. ... Cement backer board is often used as a tile base on plywood or OSB subfloor. Cement backer board on concrete as a subfloor or underlayment is usually not recommended or needed. In most cases, you can apply tile directly to the concrete.